Alteration of Six Soil Physical Properties in the Equatorial Climatic (Koppen’s Aw) Zone of the Niger Delta, Nigeria as Determined by Gas Flaring Activities

Abstract

This paper is on the Alteration of Six Soil Physical Properties in the Equatorial Climatic  (Koppen’s Aw) Zone of the Niger Delta, Nigeria as Determined by Gas Flaring Activities.To determine the altered properties of the soil at the selected location, soil samples were taken at two depths; 0 – 15 and 15 - 30cm. These depths were taken based on the fact that research most soil nutrients are concentrated within the top half meter of the soil.  The first sample point was taken at 200m from the fence wall. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine if there are variations in physical quality within the flare vicinity and with controls at different depths as well as with control points, while student t-test was used to test for difference in heavy metal concentrations between soils from flare sites and control stations.  pH recorded an average value of 5.6. Electrical conductivity was recorded as 292.5%. Average values of organic content, clay, silt and sand distributions were recorded as 1.49%, 4.5%, 2.85% and 92.65% respectively. These values exceeded results obtained at control point. The result of the soil is a clear indication that the excessive heat generated by the flare did modify the microclimate the soil nutrient as well. With continuous flare of gas, the study area will over time undergo further alterations in its physical properties and as such, flaring activities should be checked.